Center for Sleep Medicine

How to Make Your Overnight Study Comfortable

To ensure that your sleep study is technically accurate and that your overnight stay in the laboratory is a comfortable one, you are asked to prepare for your study in the following ways:

Pack a small bag with all of the items you will need for an overnight stay away from home. These items include bed clothes and toiletries (shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)

Pack your prescription medication. The sleep lab does not stock or dispense any prescription or nonprescription medication

Our technical staff consists of both men and women. There is only one technician on duty at a time. We cannot accommodate requests regarding the gender of your technician

If you are in the habit of reading before going to sleep, bring a book or other reading material

Unless otherwise instructed by a physician from the Center for Sleep Medicine, do not alter your sleep schedule during the week prior to your study. This helps to ensure that your night in the laboratory is representative of a typical night of sleep

Please arrive at the laboratory on time. After 7:00 P.M., if you expect to be delayed for your study, please call 212-241-2989

Avoid caffeinated food or beverages after noon on the day of the study

Do not drink alcohol on the day of your study.

It is advisable that your skin and hair are clean. This improves the ability to apply and remove electrodes. Use shampoo, but no oil or conditioners, on your hair, scalp, or skin

If you develop a cold or respiratory infection this will affect reliability of study results. Please contact us immediately so that you can be rescheduled for a different night

The test will conclude at your normal wake up time. Electrode paste will be applied to your skin and scalp. If you wish, you may shower in the morning before leaving the laboratory

If the technologist observes a severe degree sleep apnea you may be advised not to drive home by yourself